Why isn't my hair growing? Causes and solutions for stagnant hair growth

It can be incredibly frustrating to feel like your hair just won’t grow – especially if you’re doing everything “right”. You’re using hair treatments, eating healthy and avoiding heat styling tools, but your hair still isn’t growing. The question “why isn’t my hair growing?” is both common and complex, as hair growth depends on a wide range of factors – both internal and external.

Often, it’s not caused by one single thing, but by a combination of habits, genetics, and lifestyle. And while some causes are temporary and can be remedied with a change in routine, others require a little more time, knowledge, and patience to deal with. The good news is that in many cases, you can make a difference – if you know where to start.

In this guide, we dive into the most common reasons why your hair isn't growing, what you can do yourself, and which products can support healthy hair growth – regardless of hair type.

Why isn't my hair growing? Possible causes

Hair growth occurs in three phases – growth (anagen), transition (catagen) and resting (telogen). If one or more of these phases is disrupted, it can lead to hair growing slower, becoming thinner or stopping growing in length. Often, it is not a matter of the hair not growing – but of it not being allowed to grow long because it is shed or breaks prematurely.

Here are some of the most common and overlooked causes:

1. Hair breaks faster than it grows

Hair grows an average of 1–1.5 cm per month, but if the ends break at the same rate, you will never see a real difference in length. Frequent use of heat tools, lack of moisture, chemical treatments and daily manipulation can make hair strands brittle. Broken hair strands may look like a lack of growth, even though the roots are working perfectly normally.

Signs: Split ends, uneven length, hair that appears thin at the base.

2. The scalp is out of balance

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. If the scalp is dry, oily, flaky, irritated or clogged with product residue, it becomes difficult for the hair follicles to function optimally. Poor blood circulation or accumulated products can lead to inflammation and a inhibited growth cycle.

Signs: Itching, dandruff, redness, greasy or tight feeling on the scalp.

3. Genetics and growth phases

Each person has a genetically determined growth cycle. Some have an anagen (growth) phase of 2 years, others 6–7 years. This means that some people can naturally achieve longer hair than others. In addition, age can shorten the growth phase, just as genetics can play a role in how fast hair grows and how thick it becomes.

Signs: Your hair always reaches a certain length and stops there, despite healthy care.

4. Hormonal changes and lifestyle

Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and hormonal imbalances (e.g. PCOS, thyroid problems, menopause or after pregnancy) can disrupt hair growth. The body does not prioritize the function of hair under stress, and therefore hair can enter the telogen (resting phase) earlier and fall out.

Signs: Diffuse hair loss, increased shedding, fatigue, imbalances in cycle or mood.

If you can recognize yourself in one or more of these scenarios, it's a good idea to take a closer look at your habits, products, and health – and consider whether your hair is getting the right conditions to thrive.

Signs that your hair is in growth problems

It's important to distinguish between slow growth and broken hair. Here are some signs that your hair may not be growing as it should:

• Your hair never reaches past your shoulders – no matter what you do

• You have dry, split ends, even without heat styling

• You experience dandruff, itching or irritation on your scalp

• You shed more than usual.

• Hair appears weak and lifeless, even shortly after cutting

By keeping an eye on these signs, you can better understand what your hair needs – and where to focus.

What can you do if your hair isn't growing?

The good news is that there are several things you can do to support growth and help hair reach its full potential.

1. Focus on scalp care

A cleansed and nourished scalp promotes healthy growth. Use a mild, balancing shampoo like As I Am Rosemary Shampoo 237ml , which contains rosemary – known to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and support hair follicles.

2. Avoid over-manipulation

Tight hairstyles, daily use of straighteners or excessive brushing wear down hair and can lead to breakage. Instead, opt for loose styles, protective hairstyles and gentle elastics.

3. Use strengthening products

Products with proteins, biotin and moisturizing ingredients strengthen the hair shafts and make them more resistant. A good example is TGIN MRx Strengthening Shampoo 13oz , which works with both strength and moisture - perfect for those with weakened or dry hair.

Is your routine getting in the way of hair growth?

Even if you use good products, small daily habits can be taking a toll on your hair. Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I washing my hair too often or too rarely?

• Do I use hair products that contain drying alcohol or sulfates?

• Am I getting enough protein, iron and essential vitamins in my diet?

• Do I brush my hair while it's soaking wet?

• Do I protect my hair at night? (e.g. with silk/satin)

Small changes to your routine can have a big impact over time. Some people experience growth improvements simply by changing their shampoo or cutting back on heat styling.

Why isn't my hair growing even though I'm doing everything right?

If you have a good routine, eat healthy and still experience hair loss, there may be deeper causes. It may be a good idea to:

• Talk to a doctor and get your iron, vitamin D, and thyroid checked.

• Find out if you have a hereditary short growth phase

• Consider professional treatment, such as microneedling, scalp therapy, or LED light

• Try a combination of supplements and targeted scalp care

There is no one solution that works for everyone – but by starting from your unique needs, you will get a long way.

Choose the right products for better hair growth

You don't need advanced serums to see an improvement. Often, a well-chosen shampoo and a balanced routine are enough to kick things into gear.

HairSouk has collected a number of effective products in the shampoo category , where you will find everything from moisturizing and strengthening variants to natural formulations with active plant extracts.

These products are carefully selected to support scalp health and hair strength – whether you have curly, straight, colored or damaged hair.

Why isn't my hair growing? The answer is often more nuanced than you think

It can be frustrating when you feel like nothing is working – but hair growth is rarely about just one product. It’s the sum of your habits, your diet, your hormones and your hair care. By taking responsibility for the little things and being patient, you can often see big changes over time.

The most important thing is to be consistent and choose products that work with your hair – not against it. At HairSouk you will find knowledge, inspiration and products for a routine that suits you and your hair type.

Give your hair peace, care and the right conditions

When you ask yourself the question “why isn’t my hair growing?” you’ve already taken the first step towards change. The answer rarely lies in one magic product, but in a combination of conscious choices, patience and the right care.

At HairSouk, we are dedicated to helping you find the products that support your hair growth naturally and effectively. From gentle shampoos to strengthening treatments, we have what your hair needs, no matter where you are on your journey.

Don't give up. Give your hair time. And give it the care it deserves.